ROUTINE operations were stopped in the autumn of 2002 after a theoretical risk of passing on CJD was identified by an expert group that advises the Assembly Government.

Work involving Welsh surgeons to develop a suitable set of single-use instruments started soon after and these have now been made available to NHS Trusts in Wales.

If a patient feels their condition has worsened they need to contact their GP as the decision on when to operate would be made by the consultant or surgeon in collaboration with the GP. The Assembly has no right to interfere with such clinical issues, said a spokesperson.